Videos

Video: The Parlotones on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

Following a grueling climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, The Parlotones flew directly to Austin for SXSW, where frontman Kahn Morbee and drummer Neil Pauw chatted with Music for Good about their journey to raise awareness of violence against women and girls in Africa. The South African quartet climbed Africa’s tallest mountain as part of the Africa UNiTE campaign, an initiative that brings together more than 14 United Nations organizations mobilizing for this cause.

“We certainly aren’t naïve to think that this one walk will suddenly bring about instant change, but it is certainly a step in the right direction and it’s a project that will be sustained,” Morbee said. “Only through something that is ongoing can you really achieve results.”

It took the band several days to reach the summit, and they were joined by dignitaries and women who have been victims of abuse. “(Violence against women) is alarmingly on the increase,” said Morbee. “We’re trying to achieve awareness and say there is a solution and there are people who can help.”

The climb was designed to make the women feel they’re not alone and to support the Africa UNiTE campaign, which has three main objectives: first, to prevent violence against women and girls; second, to provide services to survivors of violence; and third, to promote justice and end impunity for those who have committed violence against women. The climb also tested the band’s endurance in ways they didn’t anticipate. Check out the video above to learn all about it.

Video: Ringo Starr tells Russell Brand about his favorite causes

When Russell Brand interviewed Ringo Starr at the famed Troubadour in L.A. recently, it was a hilarious affair. The Beatle was promoting his new solo album, “Ringo 2012,” and ended up teasing Katy Perry’s ex about being sexually repressed (which anyone who’s familiar with the English comedian knows is the farthest thing from the truth). Between jokes and anecdotes about his adventures with the Beatles and his unique drumming technique, Ringo got deep about The Lotus Foundation, the charity he started with his wife, Barbara Bach.

Ringo said they started The Lotus Foundation as a way to assist with a wide range of worthy causes around the world, focusing primarily on family and child welfare, women’s issues, addiction recovery and education. He explained that The Lotus Foundation believes that the best way to fund these causes is to give for a three-year time period, “so they’re not struggling from day one.”

Ringo also touted WaterAid, one of his favorite charities, which improves access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. (Note: I was excited to hear Ringo mention WaterAid because I used to be WaterAid’s Communications Manager, and it’s a cause that’s near and dear to my heart.) “We like to support WaterAid because I believe everyone should have water,” he said.